The city Ethics Commission is investigating an allegation that Honolulu Police Chief Boisse Correa traveled on police business while on injured leave and light duty.

The police officer's union filed a complaint with the Ethics Commission June 29 on behalf of the State of Hawai'i Organization of Police Officers

"We have to conduct an investigation," said Charles W. Totto, executive director and legal counsel for the Ethics Commission. "We're not suggesting anything is wrong but it is our normal course of business to investigate the allegations."

Correa had back surgery this summer and was on injured leave and light duty at the time he took a trip to Sun Valley, Idaho, to attend a police chief's conference.

Every trip the chief takes is preapproved by the city administration and the Honolulu police commission, said Honolulu police Capt. Frank Fujii.

"The chief isn't aware of the investigation but it's in the chief's character to cooperate fully," he said.

The union's concern is that rank-and-file officers are not allowed to travel or train for work while on injured leave or light duty, said Detective Alexander Garcia, SHOPO O'ahu chapter chairman.

"If he's on limited duty, can he travel? Is there an exception to the rule?" he asked.

Reach Peter Boylan at pboylan@honoluluadvertiser.com.